Topics for Anatomy and Physiology
Find educational topics for Anatomy and Physiology aligned with the Zambian tertiary curriculum.
Hemophagocytic Lymphohistiocytosis
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Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) is a life-threatening syndrome of pathologic immune activation and dysregulation, characterized by uncontrolled hyperinflammation, cytokine storm, and multi-organ failure. For Zambian students, recognition is critical—HLH is frequently FATAL without prompt treatment. It may be PRIMARY (familial, genetic, infancy/early childhood) or SECONDARY (acquired, any age)—associated with infection (EBV, …
Vasculitis: Overview and Classification
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Vasculitis is inflammation of blood vessel walls, leading to stenosis, occlusion, aneurysm formation, hemorrhage, and tissue ischemia. The clinical presentation is determined by the SIZE, TYPE, and LOCATION of affected vessels. For Zambian students, a systematic approach to vasculitis is essential—these are RARE but TREATABLE causes of multi-system disease, frequently …
Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
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Granulomatosis with polyangiitis (GPA, formerly Wegener's granulomatosis) is a necrotizing granulomatous small-vessel vasculitis, strongly associated with c-ANCA/PR3, classically involving upper respiratory tract, lower respiratory tract, and kidneys. For Zambian students, GPA is a diagnostic challenge—it mimics tuberculosis (TB is endemic), leading to misdiagnosis and delayed, potentially fatal treatment. Pathophysiology: necrotizing …
Microscopic Polyangiitis
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Microscopic polyangiitis (MPA) is a necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis, strongly associated with p-ANCA/MPO, characterized by pauci-immune necrotizing glomerulonephritis and pulmonary capillaritis, WITHOUT granulomatous inflammation. For Zambian students, MPA is the most common ANCA-associated vasculitis in some populations, and a key cause of rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and pulmonary-renal syndrome. Pathophysiology: necrotizing …
Eosinophilic Granulomatosis with Polyangiitis
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Eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA, formerly Churg-Strauss syndrome) is a rare, necrotizing small-vessel vasculitis characterized by asthma, eosinophilia, and eosinophilic tissue infiltration, with or without granulomatous inflammation. For Zambian students, EGPA is a diagnostic challenge—asthma and eosinophilia are common, but EGPA is rare. Recognition of vasculitic phase prevents irreversible organ …
IgA Vasculitis
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IgA vasculitis (IgAV, formerly Henoch-Schönlein purpura) is the most common childhood vasculitis, characterized by IgA-dominant immune complex deposition in small vessels, manifesting as palpable purpura, arthritis, abdominal pain, and glomerulonephritis. For Zambian students, IgAV is a common differential diagnosis in a child with rash and joint pain; recognition prevents unnecessary …
Cryoglobulinemic Vasculitis
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Cryoglobulinemic vasculitis is a small-vessel vasculitis caused by deposition of cryoglobulins—immunoglobulins that precipitate at cold temperatures and redissolve upon warming—in the walls of capillaries, venules, and arterioles. For Zambian students, this is a critical diagnosis, as the majority (70-90%) of cases are associated with HEPATITIS C VIRUS (HCV) infection, which …
Anti-GBM Disease
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Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is a rare small-vessel vasculitis mediated by autoantibodies directed against the non-collagenous domain of the alpha-3 chain of type IV collagen [α3(IV)NC1], presenting with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and/or diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (pulmonary-renal syndrome). For Zambian students, anti-GBM disease is a MEDICAL EMERGENCY—early diagnosis and immediate …
Takayasu Arteritis
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Takayasu arteritis (TAK) is a large-vessel vasculitis affecting the aorta and its major branches, predominantly affecting young women (<40 years). For Zambian students, TAK is an important cause of unexplained hypertension, absent pulses, and aortic regurgitation in young adults. Pathophysiology: granulomatous panarteritis of the aorta, aortic arch, and proximal great …